Police praise bushwalker’s preparedness after Frenchmans Cap rescue

Well equipped bushwalkers have escaped serious danger following an injury on a remote Tasmanian walking track.

The Tasmania Police Search and Rescue helicopter rescued an injured walker at Frenchmans Cap. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

POLICE have praised an injured worker’s use of a safety beacon following a rescue at Frenchmans Cap.

At about 10:35am on Sunday Western District Police were notified of an EPIRB activation on the Frenchmans Cap walking track, about 20 kilometres from the Lyell Highway carpark.

The Westpac Rescue helicopter was sent to the last reported position of the beacon.

The weather has since been described by the crew as marginal at best, however at

about 12:30pm the walking party were located at the top of the track at Barren Pass.

The flight paramedic was winched to the walkers and a man was found to have suffered a

knee injury.

He was unable to carry on and as such, both walkers were winched to the helicopter and returned to Derwent Bridge.

Constable David Fitzgerald of Tasmania Police Search and Rescue said:

“This is a timely reminder of the importance of bushwalkers to be well prepared for any event

whilst walking in Tasmania. In this instance the experienced walkers were well prepared with an EPIRB and good equipment, making smart decisions and knowing their capabilities.”